While football is on hold for Arsenal, that doesn’t mean some of the players aren’t in action this week. A number of Gunners are out representing their countries across the globe, from international friendlies to crunch World Cup qualifiers.
14 first-team players were called up for their nation, however a number have had to pull out due to a mixture of injuries, illness and Covid. Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka have withdrawn from their squads and will look to return to club football as soon as possible.
As for the remaining 10, a number of them have been involved in games over the past two days. So here’s a look at how some of the Arsenal players have got on for the countries.
READ MORE: What happened to Arsenal ace William Saliba after replacing Raphael Varane for his France debut
Martin Odegaard - Norway vs Slovakia
Martin Odegaard scored a stunning goal in the 80th minute to help his side overcome Slovakia 2-0 in an international friendly. The playmaker's strike helped him earn Man of the Match, continuing to show his class on the big stage as he curled an effort into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area.
William Saliba and Nicolas Pepe - France vs Ivory Coast
Arsenal loanee defender William Saliba made his debut for the France national team to a huge roar from the home support. The centre-back played for 30 minutes, taking the next step in what has been an impressive start to his career.
As for Nicolas Pepe, he scored his side’s only goal of the game, though they slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Les Bleus. It continues an impressive run of form for his nation, continuing where he left off in AFCON.
Thomas Partey - Ghana vs Nigeria
Thomas Partey played the full match between Ghana and Nigeria, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw. The two sides are set to face off again on Tuesday in a second leg, with a World Cup place at stake.
Mohamed Elneny - Egypt vs Senegal
Mohamed Elneny played a full 90 minutes in a repeat of the AFCON final, though this time the result was different. A Saliou Ciss own goal meant that Egypt took a 1-0 lead into the second leg, also set to be played on Tuesday.
Ben White and Granit Xhaka - England vs Switzerland
Arsenal duo Ben White and Granit Xhaka faced off at Wembley as England won 2-1 against Switzerland. White was a late addition to the Three Lions' starting XI as John Stones had to pull out due to an injury in the warm up.
The 24-year-old started at centre-back in a back three, but struggled as he lost Breel Embolo in the air for the opener. He grew into the game though and finished it playing right-back.
As for Xhaka, he played the full match in central midfield, often bursting forward in an advanced role like he has done for the Gunners in recent weeks.
Albert Sambi Lokonga - Ireland vs Belgium
Albert Sambi Lokonga was an unused substitute as his side faced Ireland in an international friendly. The game ended in a 2-2 stalemate.
